The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Mary Rathman

Teddy loves to be the center of attention

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Teddy is a 17-year-old miniature poodle. He is adorable and likes wearing shirts, scarves and bow ties. Teddy loves to go to the groomers and get pampered, too. He is a picky eater and will only eat Publix chicken. He loves to snuggle in bed and is a great watch dog with a loud powerful bark. Teddy was adopted from his owner’s mother when she passed away. He lives in Land O’ Lakes with Steve and Lisa Carmack.

Watching the action

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Janet Capati-Juco said this beautiful hawk is a daily visitor at the dog park in Oak Creek in Wesley Chapel. This bird of prey can be found at the park twice a day!

Health News 11/22/2023

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Pediatric unit gets Virtual Reality headsets

The nonprofit Starlight Children’s Foundation celebrated one of its annual Starlight Award recipients by delivering Virtual Reality (VR) headsets to children in the pediatric intensive care unit at AdventHealth Tampa, where the Golden Hero award recipient, Michele Axford, is part of the hospital’s child life team, according to a news release.

Michele Axford, left, a child life specialist at AdventHealth Tampa, accepts the Golden Hero Award from Viktoria de Jong of the Starlight Children’s Foundation. (Courtesy of AdventHealth West Florida Division)

Starlight VR supports patients during their health care journey, encouraging kids to relax during pain or discomfort and can guide them through exercises to improve their range of motion.

In some cases, VR can reduce the need for pain medication when immersed in a virtual experience, the release said.

Through Axford’s support of Starlight’s mission, eligible families registered to become a Starlight family. They received a VR headset to aid in their child’s treatment and recovery at home or in the hospital.

Starlight honored certified child life specialist Axford with the Golden Hero Award for advocating for patients and going above and beyond to ensure children receive the positive impact of Starlight programs, including Starlight hospital gowns, gaming, toy deliveries, and now Virtual Reality. To learn more, visit Starlight.org.

(Courtesy of AdventHealth West Florida Division)

Sparking an interest in health care

Students at Berkeley Preparatory School in Tampa received firsthand experience of some of the most in-demand careers in health care with AdventHealth Carrollwood. As part of its strategic plan, AdventHealth reached out to schools, both public and private, and Berkeley Prep was one of the first to step up to take part in the new student-focused outreach program. This is the second time the Carrollwood hospital has had the opportunity to work with Berkeley Prep students — earlier this year, clinical team members visited the school with ‘Nurse Anne,’ a simulator, to provide a bit of hands-on medical training.

 

Chalk Talk 11/22/2023

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(Courtesy of Pasco County Schools)

Pasco Elementary receives distinction

Pasco Elementary School has been designated an Imagine Nation Beacon School. ‘The Pirates’ earned the recognition after its pre-K classes came in third place and its ESOL students came in fifth place for the most minutes spent on Imagine Learning. The program covers reading, writing, speaking and listening skills.

Student volunteers needed

The Concourse, 11919 Alric Pottberg Road in Shady Hills, is looking for student (and adult) volunteers for its 2023 Celebration of Lights that will run on select dates from Nov. 24 to Dec. 30. The drive-thru light display includes a holiday train; Pasco Safety Town features Santa Claus. For more information or to sign up, visit tinyurl.com/2bwppzpt.

Build a Bear for a Cause

The seventh annual Build a Bear for a Cause is scheduled for Nov. 28 from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at The Shops at Wiregrass store, 28163 Paseo Drive, #170, in Wesley Chapel, to benefit the Pasco County Schools’ ABC (Assist, Believe, Care) Program, a program that matches community individuals and groups with children in need at local elementary schools in order to provide basic essentials.

Guests can stop by to build a bear or to make a donation (and a bear will be built for you). For those interested but who cannot make the date, stop by during the day and the Build a Bear staff will hold your donation for the campaign. The goal is 200 bears that will be distributed to local children.

To make a monetary donation, visit https://square.link/u/zGHBhFJH or use Venmo: @Cindy-ross-0. For information, contact Cindy Ross at 813-949-5700, 813-205-6125 or .

Pitch Competition

Pasco-Hernando State College has challenged the Hernando County community to create a new product, service, or innovation aimed at improving the county, and will host a Dinner and a Pitch Competition on Nov. 30 at 5:30 p.m., at 11415 Ponce de Leon Blvd., in Brooksville.

In the presentation, PHSC will outline a business idea that leverages project-based learning and 21st century skills to develop a community-enhancing venture. The goal is to present the idea to a group of investors. Teams may consist of one to four business partners.

For more information, contact Alysen Heil at or 727-816-3257.

Behind the scenes

Payton VanNort, of Lutz, is a member of the production crew for Marietta (Ohio) College’s performances of “Stratum: An Original Musical” that opens on Dec. 1. VanNort, a major in theater-directing, is working as the stage manager in the production.

Academy hosts Santa

The East Pasco Education Academy, 35830 County Road 52 in Dade City, will host a “Cookies with Santa” fundraiser on Dec. 5 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Admission is free to visit with Santa and to decorate cookies, as well as play holiday games. Tickets can be purchased for the Polar Express, Snowball Fight and other Christmas surprises. There also will be opportunities for holiday photos. All proceeds will benefit the students of the academy.

Illustrative Contest

B&B Theatres in Wesley Chapel invites students to submit original artwork for its illustrative contest entitled, “Enjoy the Magic of the Movies.” Artwork should feature one of the movie titles listed below, using any art medium, limited to 11-inch by 14-inch size.
Entries should be submitted with the student’s name, school and grade level, and delivered to the theater, 6333 Wesley Grove Blvd., in Wesley Chapel. The deadline for submissions is Dec. 14.

Works of art will be featured in the theater and the winners will receive a popcorn party in January for their class, as well as a movie pack for two. Movie titles to select from are:

  • “Disney’s Wish”
  • “Wonka”
  • “Migration”
  • “Aquaman & the Lost Kingdom”

Scholarship recipients

The Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative’s (WREC) Educational Foundation since 1997 has awarded 2,414 college scholarships to its members with a potential payout of $18.5 million, according to a news release.

The recipients of these scholarships may attend any in-state regionally accredited college, university or technical school. The WREC funds the program using abandoned Capital Credits that would otherwise be forfeited to the State of Florida as abandoned property.

In 2024, WREC will select 110 high school seniors to receive a maximum $12,000 ($1,500 per semester) each toward their undergraduate education, totaling $1,320,000, the release said.

Students are selected in their senior year by local guidance counselors and WREC personnel.

Scholarship applications are available now and can be picked up at any local WREC District Office, high school guidance office or online at WREC.net. Applications must be mailed to the WREC Corporate Center Office and postmarked no later than March 31, 2024.

Students in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area who received 2023 scholarships include: Arossa Adhikary, Land O’ Lakes High School; Angellea Bachtel, Pasco High; Jack Carbone, Cypress Creek High; Cameron Choate, Cypress Creek; Adrienne Csatlos, Sunlake High; Kaylee Eisenberg, Wesley Chapel High; Aydin Ferran, Wesley Chapel; Shannon Fields, Wesley Chapel; Lauralee Fuher, Wesley Chapel; Nam Huynh, Wiregrass Ranch High; Leah Kuriakose, Pasco High; Isabelle Le-Nguyen, Cypress Creek; Sophia Lipinski, Wesley Chapel; David Little, Land O’ Lakes; Mikayla Mahoney, Cypress Creek; Zoe Miller, Wesley Chapel; Alan Nguyen, Cypress Creek; Bryan Nunez, Wesley Chapel; Alejandra Padilla, Zephyrhills High; Mateo Palacio, Wesley Chapel; Joaquin Parrilla IV, Cypress Creek; Jessilyn Peppers, Wesley Chapel; Gabriela Perez, Pasco; John Purcell, Freedom High; Warren Raskopf, Wesley Chapel; Erin Roberts, Land O’ Lakes; Aliyah Rodriguez Sanchez, Wesley Chapel; Sophia Rojas, Wiregrass Ranch; Sachin Singh, Wesley Chapel; Asia Smith, Cypress Creek; Julian Stevenson, Wesley Chapel; Emily Sutton, Pasco; Antonio Williams, Wesley Chapel; Nya Williams, Cypress Creek; and Mckenna Yingling, Cypress Creek.

Local church celebrates Feast Day

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Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church celebrated the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary with an inaugural Family Fest on Oct. 7, on the church grounds. The community event welcomed more than a thousand parishioners and neighbors.

The festival included inflatable games, a dunk booth, food, giveaways from local businesses, and a concert by Dupree. Visitors also had the chance to learn about church groups and activities.

To learn more, visit LadyRosary.org, or stop by at 2348 Collier Parkway in Land O’ lakes.

Rev. Christian Galvan, Parochial Vicar, welcomed parishioners and visitors to the Feast Day of Our Lady of the Rosary. (Courtesy of Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church)
Deacon Ken Anderson put himself in a precarious position in the dunk tank during the church celebration.

Staying safe at home, and in your community

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Personal safety initiatives within your family, home and community can always be improved.

The Pasco Sheriff’s Office (PSO) offers these steps to help protect homes and neighborhoods from crime:

  • Stick to a daily 9 p.m. routine of removing all valuables, including guns, from your car and locking it.
  • Complete a home safety evaluation: Ensure all locks to exterior doors and windows work properly and are clear of any debris.
  • Stay alert and pay attention no matter how you commute; always follow the rules of the road and obey safety signals.
  • Digital safety is important, too. The PSO encourages parents and guardians to talk with children about safe and appropriate behavior online.
  • If you see something suspicious, say something. Report suspicious activity to law enforcement immediately.

The PSO emphasizes the importance of evaluating safety practices and being cautious to prevent yourself from falling victim to various crimes.

Follow the Pasco Sheriff’s Office on social media or visit PascoSheriff.com for updates.

Published November 15, 2023

Sadie is sweet, gentle, loving and smart

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Sadie is an 8-month-old mini goldendoodle. She is so smart her owner decided to train her to be a service dog for herself. In the first six months of training, Sadie has learned how to “get it, bring it and give it,” and will learn how to help with medication reminders, too. Sadie gets spoiled at home by her mommy, daddy and two human brothers. She also has a parrot brother, Loki, a fun playmate. Sadie lives in Wesley Chapel with Lauren Harkness, who has always owned parakeets and parrots, but said getting Sadie was one of the best things she has ever done in her life.

A pair of beauties

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Cindy Korman said two owlets have grown up in her Zephyrhills community. Little owls are year-round residents of their habitats and may live as long as 16 years. Owlets eat insects, small mammals, birds and reptiles.

Health News 11/15/2023

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Participants from across the Tampa Bay area line up to cycle in the Gulf Coast Bike Trek. (Courtesy of Gulf Coast Bike Trek)

Cycling to raise awareness
More than 100 local cyclists joined the American Lung Association in Tampa Bay to raise awareness for pediatric lung health. The first-ever Gulf Coast Bike Trek, presented by Raymond James, raised nearly $70,000 to support the Lung Association’s efforts to improve lung health and prevent lung disease.

Participants from across the Tampa area and beyond cycled along one of three scenic courses through Pinellas County. At the finish-line party, participants enjoyed refreshments and entertainment.

Money raised from the bike trek supports the American Lung Association’s efforts to save lives through research, education and advocacy.

Additional sponsors for the event were: St. Joseph’s Hospital, TREK, St. Petersburg College, Chick-fil-A Tampa Bay, Walmart Foundation, Living Local — Nona Bartorillo Team, REI, Sunshine Health, Lead Staffing, and Tobacco Free Coalition of Pinellas. The fundraiser’s national corporate team partner was Kindred Hospitals.

For more about the event and to donate, visit GulfCoastBikeTrek.org.

Bed bug warning
Zachary Smith, a licensed pest control professional of The Pest Dude, notes that bed bugs in Florida are nothing new, but there is the possibility of the insects spreading rapidly across each state, according to a news release.

The tiny, flat parasites feed on human blood during nighttime slumbers. While the bugs do not transmit diseases, they can lead to itchy bites, disrupted sleep and considerable discomfort.

Bed bugs often conceal themselves in mattress seams, box springs, behind bed structures, and within furniture gaps, but they can be anywhere their host lives, including the cars and planes people travel in.

Smith advises people to thoroughly check these items: mattresses, box springs, headboards, nightstands and electronics, textiles (quilts, blankets, etc.), walls, furniture, windows and doors, and closets and clutter.

To manage an active bed bug infestation and prevent its spread, he offers these tips, the release said:

  • Use mattress encasements to trap bed bugs inside to starve them, cut off their food source and prevent migration.
  • The use of bed bug traps such as glue traps can capture and kill bed bugs.
  • Vacuum areas with signs of infestation, including mattresses, furniture, carpets and linens. Empty the vacuum into hot, soapy water to eliminate the bugs.
  • After vacuuming, seal bedding in a plastic bag. Wash on the highest setting and dry on high for 30 minutes. If item should not be washed, just dry on a high setting.

There are a variety of ways, both non-chemical and chemical, to kill bugs including high temperatures, steam, desiccants, botanical sprays, insecticides, and residual treatments.

For more information, visit FloridaHealth.gov and search for “bed bugs.”

From left: Bob Moore, Jan King, John King and Carole Moore man the grills at a recent Picnic Day. (Courtesy of Patricia Serio)

Woman’s club dedicated to helping
Members of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club and their husbands volunteered to man the grills and serve picnic barbecue fare at the Quantum Leap Family Picnic Day.

Quantum Leap provides equine-assisted therapies, serving veterans, children with pediatric cancer, PTSD victims and people on the spectrum. The benefits of equine therapies can include improved coping strategies and communication skills.

The woman’s club also hosted a fundraiser luncheon at The Groves Golf & Country Club to benefit Sunrise of Pasco County, a domestic and sexual violence center that provides emergency safe shelter to women and children who are victims of abuse, as well as numerous support services.

The club donated two carloads filled with needed personal items for the shelter residents, as well as a $1,000 check presented to Sunrise staff.

For more information about the club, visit GFWCLutzLandOLakesWomansClub.org or its Facebook page.

Chalk Talk 11/15/2023

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Center builds respect, understanding
The community came together on Oct. 26 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Saint Leo University’s Center for Catholic-Jewish Studies (CCJS) and to present the 19th Eternal Light Award to Rabbi David Fox Sandmel, PhD., at the Shanna and Bryan Glazer Jewish Community Center in Tampa.

Rabbi David Sandmel speaks at the CCJS Eternal Light Award Celebration. (Courtesy of Saint Leo University)

The event recognized the work of Saint Leo’s CCJS to build mutual respect and understanding between Catholics, Jews and all people of goodwill.

Guest speakers included Joseph Probasco, attorney and board member of the Tampa Jewish Community Centers & Federation; Bishop Gregory Parkes of the Catholic Diocese of St. Petersburg; Sister Roberta Bailey, OSB, prioress of the Benedictine Sisters of Florida and a trustee of the university; Dr. Matthew Tapie, director of CCJS; and Father Dennis McManus, a consultant for Jewish Affairs for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Rabbi David Mayan, associate director of the center, introduced award winner Rabbi David Fox Sandmel, who was recognized for his dedication, outstanding contributions and lifelong commitment to the cause of Catholic-Jewish relations.

Sandmel’s keynote address was “Why Catholic-Jewish Relations Matter Today.” He also commented on what is happening in the world and noted he recently participated in the recent international conference in Rome organized by the CCJS.

“Let’s continue to support this organization (CCJS),” Sandmel said in his acceptance, and he encouraged everyone to continue to build friendships.

Learning Academy opens
Pasco County Schools has announced the opening of the Mittye P. Locke Early Learning Academy, at 4339 Evans Ave., in New Port Richey, on the former Mittye P. Locke Elementary School site.

The school was named in honor of the esteemed longtime principal, Mittye P. Locke, and is set to become a cornerstone in the community’s efforts to provide young learners with a solid educational foundation, according to a news release.

The grand opening ceremony brought together students, parents, staff and Pasco County Schools officials for a ribbon-cutting, special guests, and a performance by the Eaglets, the academy’s children’s choir.

The learning academy is designed to serve Pasco County children ages 3 to 5 and offers a wide range of programs, including the Head Start Program, exceptional classes, and the voluntary pre-kindergarten program (VPK). The school also provides complimentary breakfast and lunch daily.

The new facility features 10 well-equipped classrooms that can accommodate up to 18 students each. The curriculum emphasizes literacy, mathematics, creative arts, and scientific exploration through meaningful play, ensuring a holistic and engaging learning experience for young learners, the release says.

Flexible enrollment options are available, including a full-day option for VPK.

Before parents can apply for enrollment, a valid VPK Certificate of Eligibility must be obtained from the Pasco Hernando Early Learning Coalition.

To learn more, visit Lela.pasco.k12.fl.us, or call the academy directly at 727-246-5352.

New Honor Society members
The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines, has inducted these new members: Caitlyn Culpepper, Odessa; Joseph Pereira, Lutz; and Gabriella Sanabria, Lutz.

Holiday Card Lane
The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce is calling on local schools and artists to collaborate in reimagining its Holiday Card Lane for this and future generations. The cards adorn the paths of Sims Park in downtown New Port Richey throughout the holiday season and are sponsored by local Pasco County businesses.

The chamber is seeking creative ideas and expertise:

  • Material innovation: Looking for environmentally friendly materials to replace the heavy plywood traditionally used. The new materials should be sustainable, transportable and weather-resistant.
  • Artistic Expression: Looking for artists to infuse their unique styles and celebrate the spirit of the season while incorporating sustainable themes.
  • Community Involvement: This is an opportunity for schools and artists to gain exposure and engage with the local community.

Artists, schools or anyone who fits the bill should reach out to the chamber at 727-842-7651. Ideas, suggestions and contributions are welcome.

Digital literacy
The national nonprofit Connected Nation (CN), in partnership with AT&T, has brought Digital Literacy Learning Workshops and job fairs to those who may not know where to start or understand how technology can help them.

Since September 2022, CN has organized 330 workshops and/or classes and 59 job fairs — training 2,236 people in 21 different states, according to a news release.

Each workshop or class is taught by digital literacy experts and is focused on one of six topics: Computer Basics, Internet Basics, Email Basics, Cybersecurity, Video Conferencing, and Mobile Device Basics.

The workshops are part of CN’s mission to expand internet access and advance digital literacy across America. The classes are made possible as part of AT&T Connecting Learning and AT&T’s commitment to help narrow the Digital Divide, the release says.

CN is looking to partner with more local community and state organizations to host in-person and virtual workshops.

To learn more, visit ConnectedNation.org/digital-literacy-workshops/.

Fish art contest
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)’s annual Fish Art Contest is now open to students in kindergarten through 12th grade. In partnership with Wildlife Forever, FWC announced a second annual category for a Florida Native Fish Award, in addition to the national Fish Art Contest that students can qualify for by submitting a Florida native species from the specified list below.

Grade brackets awards will be kindergarten through third grade, fourth through sixth grade, seventh through ninth grade, and 10th through 12th grade.

Students can submit an original piece of physical artwork featuring any fish including one or more of these Florida native species from the same category:

  • Category 1: Freshwater: largemouth bass, striped bass, black crappie, bluegill, redear sunfish, spotted sunfish, channel catfish, Florida gar, chain pickerel, bowfin
  • Category 2: Saltwater: snook, redfish, spotted seatrout, flounder, tarpon, mahi-mahi, Spanish mackerel, hogfish, queen snapper, black grouper

Digital artwork will not be accepted. Students also must submit a piece of creative writing, no longer than one page, about the chosen species (required for grades four to 12) and a Florida State-Fish Art Contest entry form. The deadline to enter is Feb. 28.

To enter, visit WildlifeForever.org/home/fish-art/fish-entry-forms/florida-entry-forms/.